First Holy Communion
First Reconciliation

First Holy Communion & First Reconciliation

Registration for 2026–2027 is Now Open!

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We are delighted to accompany your family as your child prepares to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. These are important milestones in the life of every Catholic child, and we look forward to partnering with parents as they help their children grow in faith and in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Our preparation process is designed to help children deepen their understanding of God's love, experience His mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and joyfully receive Jesus in the Holy Eucharist for the first time.

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Who Should Register?

We offer two First Holy Communion preparation programs based on your child's school enrollment.

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St. Martin of Tours School Students

This program is for students currently enrolled in the Second Grade at St. Martin of Tours School who have been baptized in the Catholic Church. Sacramental preparation takes place during the students' Religion classes throughout the school year.

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Parish Youth

This program is for children ages 7 and older who are not enrolled at St. Martin of Tours School, including students attending public school, private school, or homeschool. Children prepare through our Children's Catechetical Ministry (CCM) and attend weekly Wednesday afternoon sessions during the school year.

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Program Overview

Throughout the year, children will prepare to celebrate both the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion through age-appropriate catechesis, prayer, and participation in the life of the Church.

Preparation includes:

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• Weekly faith formation sessions (or Religion classes for STM School students)

• Parent Orientation

• Family Faith Nights

• Preparation for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation

• First Reconciliation Celebration

• Church tour and Mass preparation

• First Holy Communion rehearsal

• First Holy Communion Mass

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Parents play an essential role in their child's faith formation. We encourage families to participate fully in the preparation process and to continue nurturing the faith at home throughout the year.

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Preparation Requirements

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Eligibility

Children preparing for First Holy Communion should:

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• Be at least 7 years of age (the age of reason).

• Be baptized in the Catholic Church.

• Submit a copy of their Baptism Certificate if they were not baptized at St. Martin of Tours Parish.

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Sunday Mass Participation

The Sunday Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith and the foundation of your child's preparation for First Holy Communion.

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Because parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith, we ask every family to faithfully participate in Sunday Mass throughout the year. While our Faith Formation sessions prepare children to receive the sacraments, it is through regular participation in the Eucharist that their faith is lived, nourished, and strengthened as they grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

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Attendance

Regular attendance at all classes and required events is an important part of sacramental preparation. Families are expected to attend:

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• Parent Orientation

• Family Faith Nights

• First Reconciliation Celebration

• First Holy Communion Rehearsal

• First Holy Communion Mass

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If a child must miss a session due to illness or a family emergency, please notify the Catechetical Director as soon as possible.

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First Reconciliation

In accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1457), children celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation before receiving First Holy Communion. Participation in the parish First Reconciliation celebration is a required part of the preparation process.

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Safe Environment

All children participating in parish faith formation complete the Diocese-required VIRTUS® Catholic Safe Environment program. Additional information will be provided during Parent Orientation.

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Registration Information

Registration Deadline: September 15, 2026

Required Parent Orientation
Sunday, September 20, 2026
3:30–4:30 PM
St. Martin of Tours Church

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Important information about the preparation process, program expectations, required forms, and the year's calendar will be shared during this meeting. At least one parent or guardian is required to attend.

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Registration Packets

Please download the registration packet that applies to your family.

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St. Martin of Tours School Students
 

Download STM School First Holy Communion Registration Packet

Parish Youth (Children Not Enrolled at STM School)

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Download Parish Youth First Holy Communion Registration Packet

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Each registration packet contains:

• Registration forms

• Required documents

• Program calendar

• Preparation requirements

• Parent information

• Additional consent and waiver forms

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Please submit all required forms and supporting documents by the registration deadline.

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Important Dates

• September 15, 2026 — Registration Deadline

• September 20, 2026 — Required Parent Orientation

• December 10, 2026 — First Reconciliation Celebration

• April 25, 2027 — First Holy Communion Rehearsal

• May 1, 2027 — First Holy Communion Mass

Please refer to your registration packet for the complete program calendar and additional required events.

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Questions?

If you have any questions about First Holy Communion preparation or the registration process, we are happy to assist you.

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Ed Ibarra
Catechetical Director

Email: eibarra@stmartin.org
Phone: (408) 294-8953 ext. 321

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We look forward to welcoming your family and accompanying your child as they prepare to receive these beautiful sacraments.

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